What country is Uruguay located in? All about Uruguay. Moving around the country

The official name is the Eastern Republic of Uruguay (Republica Oriental dee Uruguay).

Uruguay is the smallest country in South America, located in its southeastern part. It is 4 times larger than Switzerland and almost 2 times larger than Portugal. Area 176.215 thousand km2. Population 3.39 million people. (2002). The official language is Spanish. The capital is Montevideo (1.4 million people, 2002). Public holiday - Independence Day (from Brazil) on August 25 (since 1825). The currency is the peso.

Member of the UN, OAS, LNPP, LAAI, MERCOSUR.

Sights of Uruguay

Geography of Uruguay

Located between 56° west longitude and 33° south latitude. In the south and southeast it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline is slightly indented, there are small open bays; the best natural harbor is Montevideo. It borders on Argentina in the west, and Brazil in the north and northeast.

Occupies the southeastern part of the Brazilian Plateau. The relief is flat-ridge. Ridges - Kuchily. The highest ridge is Cuchilla de Aedo (height up to 473 m). In the extreme east of the country there is a coastal lowland of the Atlantic Ocean with lagoon lakes, incl. the largest is Lagoa Mirin. The highest point in the country is Pan de Azucar (height 501 m). The river network is quite dense. The deepest rivers are the Uruguay and Rio Negro. The soil cover is dominated by reddish-black soils of savannas and pampas, in the southwest - chernozem-like reddish soils. The vegetation is dominated by a grassy savannah with grassy forbs (grasses, aristids, bluegrass, feather grass, shrubs: acacia, chinus, doctonea), which are green all year round. The heights of Cuchilla Grande and Cuchilla de Aedo are covered with moderately humid forests (mainly Araucariaceae), and the lower reaches of the Rio Negro are covered with subtropical forests (from the Myrtaceae, Mimosa, and Laurel families). Forests occupy no more than 5% of the country's territory. The fauna has been greatly exterminated. There are armadillos, gray opossum, small deer, skunk, rhea, or American ostrich. There are a lot of waterfowl, and in coastal waters - fish (anchovy, mackerel, dorado, etc.). There are no significant mineral deposits. There are known gold deposits (La Floresta, Solis, Bella Vista), placer deposits of titanium, zircon, and monocyte on the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean; deposits of iron and manganese ores in the northeast (Cerro Mulero); There are brown coal deposits. The climate is subtropical with uniform precipitation throughout the year. Winter is mild. Average temperatures in July are + 10-12°C, in January +22-24°C. Annual precipitation ranges from 1000 mm in the south and inland to 1200 mm in the north and at higher elevations.

Population of Uruguay

Population density 19 people. per 1 km2. Annual population growth is 0.7%, birth rate is 17.28%, mortality is 9%, infant mortality is 14.25 people. per 1000 newborns (2002). Average life expectancy is 75.66 years. Age structure: 0-14 years - 24.4%, 15-64 years - 62.6%, 65 years and older - 13% (2002). The most unfavorable age structure of the population in the region has developed - for every 2 workers there is 1 pensioner. Since 1996, the retirement age has been raised: for women to 57 years, for men to 65 years. The educational level of the population is high. 97% of the adult population is literate. OK. 40% of the economically active population have secondary education, 14% have special education, 13% have higher education. A high educational level allows you to study and apply new technologies in various industries. The predominant part are Uruguayans, descendants of Spanish colonists of the 16th-18th centuries. and later settlers from Western Europe (Spaniards, Italians, French). The indigenous population of Uruguay as a result of the anti-Indian wars of the 19th century. was completely exterminated, one of the “whitest” countries in Latin America. 88% of the population is white, 8% is mestizos and 4% is black. Language - Spanish. Religion: 66% of the population are Catholics, 2% are Protestants, 1% of the population are Jews, etc.

History of Uruguay

The colonial period began in Uruguay in the 16th century. after the penetration of the Spaniards (first in 1515). The War of Independence against the colonial rule of the Spaniards was led by H.H. Artigas (victory in 1811 over Spanish troops at Las Piedras). After liberation from the Spanish, and in 1815 from the Argentine troops, Uruguay (the country received this name in 1815, before that - the East Coast) was occupied by Portugal (1817). In 1821 it was annexed to Brazil under the name Sisplatin Province. In 1825, Uruguayan patriots declared independence from Brazil, but only in 1828 did Argentina and Brazil recognize their independence. On July 18, 1830, the 1st Constitution of the independent Eastern Republic was adopted.

In the 2nd half. 19th century The penetration of British capital into Uruguay increased, which contributed to the development of capitalist relations. Immigrants poured into the country, mainly from Italy and Spain, who began to fill the middle class of artisans and merchants. In 1926, Uruguay was the first in South America to establish diplomatic relations with the USSR, which were severed in 1935 during the dictatorship of G. Terra (1933-38). During World War II, the Uruguayan government broke off diplomatic relations with the Axis powers (1942), and in February 1945 declared war on Nazi Germany and Japan. In 1943, diplomatic relations with the USSR were restored.

In the new post-war world, British imperialism is losing its position in Uruguay, and American capital is filling this vacuum. The country is experiencing a noticeable development of industry and strengthening of the public sector. Unable to cope with economic difficulties, the ruling bourgeois parties that succeeded each other in power increasingly resorted to repression against democratic forces. Largely under the influence of the international situation against the backdrop of the Cold War, the activities of the terrorist left-wing extremist organization Tupamaros (founded in the mid-1960s by student Raul Sendik) developed. This organization had nothing in common with the communists and was based on representatives of the middle class. President Bordaberry, who took office in 1972, declared a state of emergency in the country under the pretext of combating terrorist attacks by the Tupamaros. In 1973, the influence of the armed forces in political life increased significantly. In June 1973, President Bordaberry carried out a coup d'etat, parliament was dissolved, political activity was banned, and the Constitution was abolished.

The period from June 27, 1973 to March 1, 1985 is known as the period of dictatorship, or civil-military regime. The inability of the military to overcome difficult economic problems and general dissatisfaction with the regime forced general elections to be held in 1984. The decrees of the military regime restricting the freedom of the press and the activities of political parties were canceled.

In the general elections in November 1989, the candidate of the Blanco party, L.A., was elected president. Lacalle. The share of traditional parties is decreasing due to the growth of left-wing parties, whose share in the elections amounted to 30.2% of the votes. The 1994 elections showed that the country's political system began to be clearly divided into three parts. The Colorado Party received 32.3% of the vote, the National Party 31.2% and the Broad Front 30.6%.

An important result of the work of the coalition of the “Colorado” and “Blanco” parties was the election in 1999 to the post of president of the country from the “Colorado” party of J. Batlle (52.5%), who, with the support of the “Blanco” electorate, defeated the representative of the PVSF (Progressive Choice - Broad front) T. Vazquez (44.5%).

Government and political system of Uruguay

Uruguay is a constitutional republic. On November 27, 1966, a Constitution was adopted, which came into force in February 1967, repealed on June 27, 1973. The new Constitution was not passed by referendum on November 30, 1980, two constitutional reforms were adopted by plebiscite on November 26, 1989 and January 7, 1997. Administratively, it is divided into 19 departments: Artigas, Duracio, Canelones, Colonia, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysando, Rivera, Rio Negro, Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Cero Largo, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres, Flores, Florida. The largest cities: Montevideo, Canelones, Colonia del Sacramento, Salto.

The highest legislative body is the General Assembly, consisting of two chambers: the Senate (30 senators) and the House of Representatives (99 deputies), elected by the population for 5 years. Suffrage is universal and compulsory, granted to all citizens over 18 years of age. The highest body of executive power is the Council of Ministers, appointed by the president and approved by parliament. The head of state is the president, elected by the population through direct universal suffrage. The president is also the head of government. The head of government is also the vice president. The electoral system is based on the Spanish civil legislative system. Since March 2000, the president is Jorge Batlle Ibáñez, the vice-president is Luis Hierro.

One of the outstanding presidents of Uruguay was Jorge Batlle, who was elected to this post twice (1903-07, 1911-15), a representative of the Colorado Party, and carried out socio-economic and political reforms that changed the country. His name is associated with the battleism movement, which recognizes the leading role of the state and the public sector in the economic life of the country and the primary development of industry. Batlism became the way of existence and life of the Uruguayans, and it is associated with modern Uruguay. Louis Batlle - president (1947-51), Colorado Party, nephew of H. Batlle, supporter of battleism, advocated the development of industry focused on import substitution. HM. Sanguinetti, Colorado Party, twice elected president (1985-89, 1995-99), battlelist. During his first term, he considered the main task of his reign to be the restoration of peace in Uruguayan society after 12 years of military rule. In the 2nd period he revived the policy of battleism. At the same time, it reduced the regulatory role of the state. Jorge Batlle Ibáñez - President (2000-04), Colorado Party, son and great-nephew of the presidents of Uruguay, continues the line on the development of battleism.

Leading political parties. The Colorado Party, or Batlista (after the name of the founder of the most important faction - H. Batlle), was founded in 1836. It relies on the bourgeois strata, civil servants, and the military. The National Party, or Blanco, was founded in the 1830s. Unites large landowners, trade, financial and industrial bourgeoisie associated with foreign capital. The Christian Democratic Party (CDP) was created in the beginning. 20th century under the name "Civil Union", since 1962 - Christian Democratic Party. Expresses the interests of the national petty bourgeoisie. The Socialist Party of Uruguay (SPU) took shape organizationally in 1911. In the 1960s. In the politics of the SPU there was a shift to the left, the party left the Socialist International. The Communist Party (CPU) was founded in 1920 on the basis of the left majority of the SPU. In 1973-84 it operated underground, legalized in 1985. A broad front took shape organizationally in February 1971. In addition to the Communist Party, it included FIDEL, the Christian Democratic Party, the SPU and other parties and organizations.

The largest trade union association, the Inter-Trade Union Plenum of Workers - National Convention of Workers (MPT - CNT), officially took shape in 1966. In 1973-84, the MPT - CNT was banned and operated underground. Unites 200 trade unions, 40 workers' federations - 230 thousand members (90% of organized workers).

The highest court is the Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and elected for 10 years by the General Assembly).

Leading business organization - Export and Investment Promotion Organization.

In domestic politics, the strategic task is the idea of ​​national reconciliation put forward by H. Batlle, the final settlement of the problems of the victims of the period of military dictatorship (1973-85). The movement, formed by family members of victims of the dictatorship, demands an official investigation into every case of disappearance and death and the punishment of those responsible. The issue of victims of the military dictatorship for a long time continued to be a subject of polarization in Uruguayan society, acquired a national character and began to be used by the left as a lever of pressure on the authorities. Taking into account this circumstance, as well as taking into account the successes of the left opposition in the last national elections, H. Batlle, having come to power, set as a priority of presidential policy the strategic task of finally “closing” this issue.

Foreign policy is based on the doctrine of “concentrating circles”. Uruguayan diplomacy efforts focus on the MERCOSUR near abroad zone, followed in order of importance by other Latin American countries, the United States, Western Europe and the rest of the world. Uruguay is a member of the most important continental and regional organizations, a participant in major multilateral agreements, incl. The Treaty of Tlatelolco, which created a nuclear-free zone more than 30 years ago. The main objects of Uruguay's activity are issues of strengthening democratic traditions on the Latin American continent, issues of economic integration and globalization, and combating drug trafficking and organized crime. In relation to the United States, Uruguay has a traditionally independent position. The strategic goal of President H. Batlle to diversify political and economic ties in the world finds its practical implementation in the search for ways of rapprochement with the United States, mainly in the direction of “high technology” (informatics, computer production).

The armed forces consist of the Ground Forces, Navy (including sea-based aviation, coast guard, marine corps), Air Force, and police. The total number of armed forces, including civilian personnel, is 58 thousand people, incl. in the Ground Forces - 17 thousand people, the Air Force - 3 thousand and the Navy - 4.5 thousand people. (2002). The Armed Forces are recruited for hire. Traditional suppliers of military equipment in Uruguay are Western European countries (Great Britain, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic and Poland).

Uruguay has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1926).

Economy of Uruguay

Uruguay has an export-oriented agricultural sector and a highly skilled workforce. Located between the “big neighbors” - Brazil and Argentina - Uruguay depends on their economic conditions, since 45% of Uruguayan exports are sold in the markets of these countries. Since the devaluation of the Brazilian real in 1999, Uruguay has been in recession. Outbreaks of the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in 2001 and the crisis in Argentina in 2002 cause a crisis in Uruguay.

The decline in GDP compared to the previous year was: in 1999 - 3.4%, in 2000 - 1.9%, in 2001 - 3.4%, in 2002 - 10.5%. As a result, GDP per capita decreased from $6,016 in 1999 to $5,657 in 2001 (in 1995 uniform prices), although it remains one of the highest in Latin America. The labor force is 1.235 million people. (2000). Unemployment in the country, where previously it consistently did not exceed 10% of the economically active population, reached due to the decline in production by the end. 2002 18%.

Decrease in inflation rate, which began in the 1st half. 1990s, was violated in 2002 (1990 - 129.0%, 1995 - 24.3%, 2000 - 5.1%, 2001 - 3.6%, 2002 - 25%). The financial stabilization program carried out since 1991 was based on controlling inflation by establishing a framework for the devaluation of the Uruguayan peso. In the context of the financial and economic crisis, Uruguay, from July 20, 2002, switched to a free market quotation of its national currency. If in December 2001 1 dollar corresponded to 14,768 pesos, then in December 2002 - 27,200 pesos. As a result, Uruguayan goods have become much more expensive than Argentine or Brazilian ones and cannot compete with them. The devaluation of the Uruguayan peso against the dollar led to an increase in consumer prices (an increase in 2002 compared to 2001 - 24.7%).

In 2001, the share of agriculture was 6% of GDP, industry - 29%, services and trade - 65%, and in employment - 14, 16 and 70%, respectively. Industry is represented mainly by the light and food industries for processing agricultural raw materials, as well as mechanical engineering, oil refining, and the chemical industry. Agro-industrial complex products bring the country 65% ​​of foreign exchange earnings. The main role belongs to the food industry, which accounts for 43% of industrial production (2000), followed by leather and clothing (9%), chemical industry (8%), mechanical engineering (8%), oil refining (2%). The main branch in the food industry is meat-packing. The textile industry focuses on the processing of wool for export and the production of synthetic fabrics and threads. In 2001, industrial production decreased by 2.4% compared to 2000, and in 2002 a number of industries, such as manufacturing, decreased production by 10%. Electricity production 7.527 billion kWh (2000). 93% of electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants, 7% by thermal power plants. Electricity consumption is 7.35 billion kWh (2000), with 950 million kWh exported and 1.3 billion kWh imported.

Agriculture provides the country with basic food products and is the main source of exports. Each resident has 5 hectares of fertile land, which is 6 times higher than even the world level. 85% of the land is used for pasture. Ideal climatic conditions make it possible to obtain rich harvests in agriculture and develop livestock farming. In 1999-2001, production in the industry decreased (by 7.5% in 1999, by 3.5% in 2000, by 5.1% in 2001 compared to the previous year). Reasons: decreased competitiveness of Uruguayan agricultural products, lower world prices for agricultural products, the crisis in Brazil and Argentina, foot-and-mouth disease in cattle, they led to a deep decline in the industry. In 2002, unlike other sectors of the economy, production in the industry managed to increase by 7%, mainly due to an increase in meat (beef) production. Livestock farming is the main branch of agriculture. The cattle herd is estimated at 10.6 million head (2001). In connection with the crisis state of the global wool market, the increasing demand for milk and dairy products from the MERCOSUR member countries in recent years, the tendency to strengthen the meat and dairy sector has become more and more clearly evident in Uruguay. The sheep population in 2000 was 16.5 million heads. Here, following a decline in world prices for wool, the industry is being reoriented from wool to meat. Arable land in crop production accounts for 7.4% of agricultural land (2000). Main grains (thousand tons, 2000): rice (1300), wheat (559.2) and barley (196).

Situated between two Latin American giants, Uruguay is the geographical center of the most densely populated Mercosur zone, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The network of roads and expressways is the densest in Latin America. The length of roads is 8983 km, incl. 90% with hard surface (2000). 3/4 of cargo transportation is carried out by road. The length of the railways is 3003 km, leading from the interior to the ports, mainly to Montevideo. Uruguay is the natural gateway to the Parana-Paraguay water system, serving 40 million people. and leading to Paraguay, Bolivia, connecting Argentina and Brazil. The total length of navigable rivers is 1600 km. The largest foreign trade port is Montevideo. Communication with other countries of the world is carried out through the international airport in Montevideo, where there are approx. 10 international lines and one domestic. 559 thousand passengers are transported per year (2001).

Uruguay is one of the few countries in the world with 100% coverage of the territory by a digital communications network, has the highest density of landline telephone lines in Latin America (28 telephones per 100 inhabitants), 921 thousand telephone subscribers, 350 thousand mobile users (2001). Among Latin American countries, it occupies a leading position in the number of Internet users (400 thousand people in 2002) and personal computers. Radio is used by 1.97 million people.

Almost 2 million foreigners visit Uruguay every year, not only for business purposes, but also for leisure. The country has become an international tourist center due to its natural conditions and high level of service. In terms of the ratio of the number of tourists to the population, Uruguay (0.69) is 6 times larger than Mexico (0.11).

During the years of the reign of President J. Batlle (since 2000), the promised structural reforms were not carried out. The President pays special attention to saving the financial system, undermined by the crises in Brazil and Argentina, and reduces government spending. Due to fear of an intensifying social crisis, privatization of the telephone communications sector and demonopolization of the oil refining sector, which is in the hands of the state, are not being carried out. Budgetary difficulties influence the reduction of social spending.

In 2002, the basis of the credit system was three state banks (the central bank, the Bank of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay - BROU, the Mortgage Bank - IB), 21 commercial banks, 8 financial institutions, 12 offshore banks. The main state institution that determines the norms and principles of operation of the entire banking system of the country is the central bank. All banks are required to keep a security deposit in it. It is characterized by a high degree of dollarization (88% of all bank deposits were denominated in dollars). Until 2002, the credit system was highly stable and the country was called the “Switzerland of Latin America.” The crisis in Argentina led to capital flight and a reduction in bank reserves from $3 billion (end 2001) to $769 million (end 2002), and deposits by 50% (for 2002 alone). Timely loans from the IMF ($769 million and $1.5 billion) and the US Treasury ($4 billion) in 2002 helped Uruguay survive financial difficulties.

In 1999, amid declining business activity and rising government spending, the public finance deficit exceeded 4% of GDP. In 2002, loans from the IMF and the US Treasury, as well as cuts in wages and pensions, allowed the budget deficit to be reduced to 3.4% of GDP. The crisis was reflected in the growth of external debt. If in 1990 it was $4,415 million, then in 2001 it was $9,706 million (long-term debt—3,114 million and 6,634 million, respectively). As of 2003, the external debt of the public sector amounted to $11,426 million, which will require, according to official data, principal and interest payments of $1,884 million.

In 2002, a wage freeze and rising inflation led to the fact that real wages decreased by 18% compared to 2001, and incomes by 23% and amounted to $4,236 per person, i.e. fell below the 1990 level. Until the crisis period, Uruguay, unlike other Latin American countries, experienced a decline in poverty levels. Proportion of families living below the poverty line, estimated at $120 per month, for the 1990s. decreased from 11.8 to 5.6%, and those living in poverty - from 2 to 0.9%. Income is distributed more evenly than in any other Latin American country.

Trade policy since the 1990s. concentrates on MERCOSUR member countries. With a general upward trend in foreign trade turnover in 1991-2000, the share of MERCOSUR countries in the volume of Uruguayan exports increased from 36 to 46%, and imports, respectively, from 41 to 44%. Uruguay's trade volume with Mercosur members doubled during the period under review. Since 2000, there has been a downward trend in the volume of exports and imports of goods and services of Uruguay (in 2000, exports of goods and services - 3659 million US dollars, in 2002 - 2859 million, and imports - 4193 million, 2672 million, respectively). Main trading partners: Brazil, Argentina, EU, USA. Export structure (2000,%): livestock products 30.5, crop products 11.2, textiles 11.7, leather products (excluding shoes) 11.5. The main import items are mechanical engineering and equipment, oil and oil products, food.

Science and culture of Uruguay

Uruguay has the highest educational level and the largest relative number of students compared to all other Latin American countries. In 2001, there were 345.6 thousand students in primary schools, 188.055 thousand in secondary schools, 59.964 thousand in technical schools, and 60.926 thousand students in universities. Since 1975, compulsory 9-year education has been introduced for children from 6 years of age. There are 14 universities: University of the Republic, Catholic University of Uruguay. Damaso Antonio Larrañaga, University of Montevideo, etc. Published ca. 300 daily newspapers (the largest circulation does not exceed 35 thousand copies).

Science is financed by the state (90%) and foreign foundations. Among the state scientific institutions are the institutes of endocrinology and oncology, the oceanographic service, etc. Scientific work is also carried out at universities. The world's educated public is familiar with the work of famous cultural figures, such as writers Juan Carlos Onetti, Mario Benedetti, Miguel Angel Campodonico, painters Pedro Figari and J. Torres Garcia, sculptors A. Peni, J.L. Zorrilla de San Martino, José Belloni. The peak of the Uruguayans' impact on popular culture in the 20th century. was their participation in the development of the song and dance genre of tango, which originated in Buenos Aires. The author of one of the two most popular melodies of this style in the world, “Cumparsita,” was the Uruguayan Gerardo Matos Rodriguez in 1917.

The center and south of the country are a monotonous, hilly, well-irrigated plain, mostly covered with grassy vegetation. It is similar to the Argentine wet pampa. The northern part of the country, rocky and barren in places, gradually rises into the Brazilian Highlands.

Uruguay's climate is moderate, with small annual temperature fluctuations and uniform distribution of precipitation throughout the year, which is favorable for both livestock breeding and the cultivation of a variety of crops.

The mild subtropical climate of the southern coast attracts many tourists, and the income of numerous hotels and resorts makes up a significant share of the country's budget.

Livestock farming plays a major role in the country's economy. About 60% of Uruguay's area is suitable for pasture, and a significant part is used for this purpose.

Land relations in Uruguay, in general, differ little from land relations in Argentina, Chile, Venezuela or other republics. Huge latifundia belong to several dozen owners and several foreign companies. These large estates are home to livestock farming; Mixed pastoral-agricultural farms are much less common. In agriculture, which plays a very insignificant role in the country's economy, independent small farmers are of greater importance - compared to other countries of South America - although the majority of farmers here are small tenants.

The agricultural zone is located in the south and southwest of Uruguay, where there are soils favorable for agriculture.

They cultivate mainly wheat, flax, barley, corn and oats. Wheat is almost entirely used to cover the country's domestic needs. Uruguay's only export crop was flaxseed. However, the export of this crop was greatly reduced, as the United States reduced its purchases after the Second World War. Dependence on the United States also affects the development of other agricultural crops. Uruguay is forced to import rice, sugar and other products.

Until recently, cattle breeding was extensive. In the north and center of the country, mainly cattle are raised, and in the south - sheep (wool is the main export item). This is due to the different types of natural feed types. Sowing of forage grasses is not practiced in Uruguay.

The development of industry is significantly hampered by the lack of coal, oil and iron in the country. In addition, the country's mineral wealth has not been sufficiently explored.

The Second World War gave some impetus to the development of the national, c. mostly small-scale industry. In the first place are textile and food.

Before the Second World War, England occupied the key positions in the economy of the republic, then US capital began to occupy an increasingly stronger position, which currently dominates almost unchallenged. However, England still ranks first in exports 1 .

“The working class of our country,” wrote Enrico Pastorino, secretary of the General Union of Working People of Uruguay, “is seriously suffering from unemployment, which is the result of the strangulation of the national Uruguayan industry by Anglo-American monopolies. The leather, footwear and textile industries are experiencing particular difficulties. The Anglo-American monopolists are denying our enterprises equipment and raw materials and are depriving them of sales markets” 2 .

Political system

Uruguay is a bourgeois republic. On March 1, 1952, collegial governance was introduced - the state is headed by the National State Council, consisting of nine members 3. Members of the National Council of State are directly elected for four years: six from the majority party, three from the leading minority party. The chairman of the council is elected annually from among its members. The legislative bodies consist of two chambers: the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, also elected for four years.

In 1943, diplomatic relations with the USSR, interrupted in 1935, were restored.

The church is separated from the state, the predominant religion is Catholic.

Population distribution

The total population of Uruguay is 2679 thousand (1957 f\) 4. The republic has the highest population density among the countries of South America - about 14 people per 1 km 2. About three-quarters of the population is located in the southern provinces, from Rocha west along La Plata. About a third of the population lives in Montevideo (850 thousand people) 6 . Density ranges from 50-55 people per 1 km 2 in the south, to 4-5 people per 1 km 2 in some provinces of the west and north.

Conquest and colonization

Uruguay was discovered by de Solis' expedition at the beginning of the 16th century. 6 Like Argentina, Uruguay had no precious metals. But if Argentina was initially of great interest to Spain as a route to Peru, then Uruguay absolutely could not attract the Spanish conquerors who were looking for easy money. In addition, the Charrua Indians who inhabited Uruguay put up strong resistance. All these circumstances led to the fact that the country remained undeveloped by the colonialists for about two centuries.

The Spanish government, trying to prevent Portugal's attempts to take possession of this area, which was located between the possessions of both states, began to establish military garrisons there and showed more and more interest in taking control of Uruguay.

At the end of the 18th century. Uruguay was part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of La Plata. During the Spanish colonial struggle for independence, both Argentina and Brazil attempted to annex Uruguay as a province. Only in 1828 did Uruguay become an independent state.

Formation of modern population

Before the arrival of the Spaniards, Uruguay was inhabited by a small group of Charrua Indians - wandering hunters and gatherers, whose culture was largely similar to the Chaco and Pampa Indians (hunting, housing, clothing). Already by the 18th century. they have almost lost their original culture. The last representatives of this tribe were exterminated in the first half of the 19th century.

At the beginning of the 17th century. Cattle and horses were brought to Uruguay for grazing on rich pasture. Shepherds (gauchos) were engaged in selling skins to Argentina. They took Indian women as wives, and their descendants now make up the small mestizo population of northern Uruguay 1 .

The ever-increasing smuggling trade in skins 2 contributed to the fact that Argentine buyers, crossing into Uruguay (which in those days was called the Eastern Coast - Banda Oriental del Uruguay), began to settle there, seizing into their own hands plots of land on which herds grazed. Gradually there was an advance to the north, the capture of new areas, the pushing back and destruction of the indigenous population - the Indians.

The gauchos of Uruguay suffered the fate of the gauchos of Argentina - at the end of the 18th century, due to the transition to new forms of cattle breeding, they fell into bondage to the owners of large estates.

For a long time, landowner estancias and military garrisons were the only types of settlements.

The Spaniards, having founded the Montevideo fortress on the banks of La Plata in 1726, began to develop the country. As elsewhere in Latin America, the distribution and seizure of land and the formation of huge feudal latifundia also took place here.

However, the settlement of Uruguay was slow. Only after the declaration of independence did the influx of immigrants from Europe begin. Immigration was encouraged by the government. But the conditions immigrants faced in Uruguay—the near absence of available land and extensive ranching—soon led to a sharp drop in the number of immigrants remaining in the country. After the overthrow of the Rosas dictatorship in Argentina, the flow of immigrants was mainly directed there.

Yet Uruguay's population grew due to immigration. In 1800, the country had a little more than 50 thousand inhabitants, in 1830 - 70 thousand, in 1860 - more than 224 thousand, and by 1900 the population had already reached almost a million.

As in neighboring Argentina, the bulk of the settlers were Italians and Spaniards, as well as the French. Most of the newcomers settled on the coast, and this area is the main agricultural region of the country. Here, around the cities, small farms (chakras) are concentrated. It was mainly the Italians who settled in this area, who made up the main agricultural population, as well as the artisan population of the cities. In Uruguay there are a small number of colonies of Slavic peoples (Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Czechs, Bulgarians, Poles and Yugoslavs. There are about 30 thousand in total). The overwhelming majority of Slavs living in cities work in the meat-packing, textile industries or in small workshops and construction sites.

Increasing unemployment in the country led the government to restrict immigration, which had previously been encouraged. Agricultural and industrial workers are only allowed to enter the country if they are pre-contracted to work.^

Since 1947, immigrants began to be required to provide a health certificate and a certificate of political reliability.

Since the early 30s of the XIX century. Until 1842, the year of the official abolition of slavery, several thousand black slaves were brought into the country. In addition, there were a small number of free and fugitive blacks from Brazil living along the northern border. A. Rosenblat, based on data from his informants, believes that there are 8-10 thousand blacks in Uruguay. They are concentrated mainly in the departments of Rocha, Cerro Largo, Durasno and Miyas; There are black neighborhoods in Montevideo 1.

However, blacks do not constitute a noticeable stratum in the population of Uruguay.

Uruguay, along with Argentina, is the whitest country in South America. The Indian and mestizo population does not exceed 10% and is concentrated in the northern and northwestern outskirts.

Cities, settlements

The industrial and cultural center of the country is its capital - Montevideo. A beautiful, well-maintained city, like most large cities in South America, has miserable outskirts, little suitable for habitation.

The two largest provincial cities of Uruguay, with about 60 thousand inhabitants, Paysandu and Salto, are located on the banks of the river. Uruguay, and, in addition, are connected by railway lines with Argentina, Brazil and the interior of the country. Paysandu is the center of the meat industry, Salto is one of the pastoral areas. Several cities have about 30 thousand inhabitants, but most have only about 10-12 thousand.

In modern urban construction (in the provinces, in small houses in the suburbs of the capital), local materials are used, for example, white shiny sand from the coast of Uruguay, mixed with plaster. The roofs are made of red tiles or thatch (as in peasant houses).

A typical type of settlement is the pastoral estancia, scattered throughout the country and separated from each other by barbed wire fences. Barbed wire also separates individual pastures within the estate. In the center of the estancia is the landowner's house, usually made of brick, one-story, built according to the Spanish model, with a courtyard. The estate is planted with trees, and fruit trees are often planted. Around are the houses of peons, workers and outbuildings.

In addition, there are so-called “rat villages” scattered throughout the country, which owe their existence to the huge surplus of workers in agriculture that arose after the order to compulsorily fence estancias. Evicted peons-shepherds and trackers, bankrupt small farmers, and unemployed people from the cities began to settle on patches of free land, on state-owned lands. Here is a description of one of these villages: “The village consisted of a group of huts, fancifully scattered on barren, rocky land overgrown with poisonous myo-myo bushes, where a few trees tried in vain to brighten up the general desolation. The huts, some made of straw coated with clay, others made of raw brick and straw, others made of stones and tin or made of tin alone, were wretched, dull, fragile, ugly from the outside and from the inside” 1 .

About 50 thousand people lived in such settlements in 1950, 2 in 1955-1956. their number has increased to 200 thousand. 3 These people are forced to lead a miserable life while waiting for odd jobs, seasonal work like sheep shearing, which requires additional labor.

Naturally, such living conditions lead to the fact that, despite universal compulsory education from 6 to 14 years, about one third of children do not attend school. This applies to both rural areas and big cities. Yet, on average, the country has one of the highest literate percentages in Latin America - 75-80%.

Montevideo is home to the Uruguayan National Academy of Sciences, the Republican University with ten faculties (founded in 1833) and the Technical University (founded in 1924).

Surely not everyone knows that Uruguay is on the list of the most prosperous countries in the world. It is for this reason that it is comfortable to both relax and live here. In addition, this country has a very low crime rate, so it is safe here.

If you are looking for a place where you can fully enjoy a beach holiday, then choose Uruguay. This country is famous for its beach resorts. By choosing Uruguay as your holiday destination, you can not only soak up the warm rays of the sun and swim in the ocean, but also go fishing, do water sports, learn what a calabash is, take part in a carnival and much more.

Origin of the state and its name

After Christopher Columbus discovered the American continent, he decided to go to its southern outskirts. But when the Spanish ships reached the Atlantic Ocean in 1516, the landing was unsuccessful, as local Indian tribes met the sailors very aggressively, namely, they threw stones at them from the shore. But this is how Uruguay was discovered. At that time, different tribes lived on its territory.

The second attempt to land on this area was made by the famous navigator Ferdinand Magellan. When his ship was close to these lands, one of the crew members shouted: “Monte vide eu!”, which meant: “I see land!” Years later, everyone has already forgotten these words, but the capital of Uruguay to this day bears the name Montevideo.

Well, the name of the country came into use relatively recently. Before this, only the river was called that way (the word “Uruguay” means “River of Variegated Birds” or “River of Snails”).

Geographical location

Uruguay is located in southeastern South America. It borders on the west with Argentina, on the north with Brazil, and on the south and east it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.

Climate

Uruguay has a temperate subtropical climate. A distinctive feature of the weather conditions of this region is short, mild winters with rare frosts and warm summers. In winter, the temperature drops to a maximum of +10 degrees. In summer, the thermometer rises to 22-27 degrees Celsius. In terms of precipitation, Uruguay rains evenly throughout the year.

Interestingly, January is the hottest month in Uruguay, and in July it is winter. If you want your vacation to be a great success and not to be spoiled by weather conditions, you should come here between December and March.

Population

According to the 2010 census, the population of Uruguay is 3.5 million.

State-political structure

By its form of government, Uruguay is a republic. The head of state and government here is the president, who is re-elected by the local population every 5 years.

Currency

The national currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan peso (the international name of the currency is UYI). Money can be safely exchanged at a bank, exchange office, hotel or airport. By the way, local ATMs do not accept European or North American credit cards.

Religion, culture and customs

Uruguay has no official religion. According to the country's Constitution, freedom of religion is proclaimed here. So on the territory of Uruguay there are Catholics (47.1%), other Christians (11.1%), believers who are undecided (23.2%), Jews (0.3%), other religions (1.1%) , atheists and agnostics (17.2%).

The customs and traditions of Uruguay were based on a symbiosis of Spanish and European cultures. Particular attention is paid here to folk music.

Once in the capital of Uruguay, you will not encounter the “pressure” of local color, as is felt, for example, in neighboring countries. In this sense, it is very easy to relax in Uruguay. This may also be due to the fact that it is not a religious country. Therefore, as far as religious holidays are concerned, Christmas or Easter mostly pass unnoticed. But such a holiday as the New Year is celebrated here on a grand scale.

If you are vacationing in Uruguay at the beginning of the new year, then do not be surprised if on the first of January you see all the streets white, not because of the snow, but because of the calendar sheets. The fact is that the locals have a tradition of throwing last year’s calendars out of the window.

Uruguay has traditions related to cuisine, such as the locals eating large quantities of meat. Uruguayans can easily go out and have a barbecue party on any day, holiday or not. That is, people simply rejoice and enjoy every day they live.

National cuisine

The national cuisine of Uruguay is a mixture of traditions coming from Europe and South America. In any restaurant you can easily find dishes such as pasta, pizza or paella on the menu. However, traditional local dishes will also appeal to most tourists.

The basis of Uruguayan cuisine is beef and pork dishes cooked on the grill. Be sure to try a dish called parilladu, which is beef on a plate, and milanesas, chops that are coated in breadcrumbs and egg and deep fried. Well, true gourmets simply cannot pass up a marbled steak. For this dish, the meat is pre-soaked in a marinade of soy sauce, garlic, vinegar and salt, and then stuffed with slices of ham and cheese.

Fast food lovers should try the chivito - a sandwich with pork or veal chop with slices of tomato, cheese and lettuce.

And only in Uruguay you can taste real mate. This tea is drunk everywhere here. You can often meet locals with thermoses, and there is a high probability that this drink from Paraguayan holly leaves will be poured there.

When South Americans talk about the country where they would like to live, then (in addition to the USA) they name little Uruguay. This is the most economically developed country on the continent, whose standard of living corresponds to European standards, and salaries are approximately the same as in Spain and Italy. They are called the “Switzerland of South America”, and if the comparison is inappropriate with regard to the mountains - Uruguay is a country of plains and lakes, then in other respects it is quite. I arrived in the country by ferry from neighboring Buenos Aires to the ancient town of Colonia, a three-hour drive from Montevideo. The timing for the trip was not the best - winter was beginning, it was constantly raining, stormy winds and a feeling of London greyness. However, I found Montevideo a very interesting city worth visiting. Today we’ll take a walk around the center, and in the next article I’ll tell you about fashionable areas that are more like the wealthy suburbs of Paris or London, but not at all like South America.

The history of the creation of Montevideo is very interesting. In these parts, there was initially a struggle between the two main empires of that time - Spanish and Portuguese. When the Spaniards founded Buenos Aires, the Portuguese, directly opposite, across the Rio de la Plata, created the Colonia fortress (my report from the fortress) to block the Spaniards in the depths of the bay. The Spaniards responded to this in 1726 by creating the Montevideo fortress 200 km east of the Colony and thus blocking the Portuguese themselves. Actually, no one imagined that the sea fortress would turn into the capital of Uruguay. Later, the city began to actively grow and develop; a port was created in it, which today is one of the largest on the continent. Emigrants from Europe flocked to Uruguay and today, by the way, it is the most “European” state in South America, where 96% are descendants of the Spaniards and Portuguese.

But it must be said that Montevideo is not a particularly tourist city. This is not Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro, there are not millions of tourists here, nor are there any iconic world-class attractions. It's just a very colorful city with a lot of colonial heritage in architecture, a great cultural and social life, good restaurants and excellent museums. In a word, it’s hardly worth going here for a long time, but the city is certainly worthy of a couple of days if you’ve already seen everything in neighboring Buenos Aires.

By the way, the non-tourist nature of Montevideo is once again proven by the fact that there is practically no panoramic observation deck in the city. You won't find it in guidebooks either. Somewhere on a local website I found such a point, not marked at all. On the top floor of this building in the center of Montevideo -

Go inside, there is something like a fair with small shops, no signs and people don’t even know where the observation deck is. Go straight and there will be elevators up -

The building is generally an office building and they asked me where I was going. He said to look at the panorama. Get into the elevator and up to the top floor, without turning anywhere in the shaft -

If it weren't for the little piece of paper on the wall, you would never have guessed that you were there -

Of course, taking photographs through cloudy glass is not God knows what kind of pleasure, but if you are not afraid to stand with your feet on the fence and take photographs through the gap from above, then everything will work out -

Uruguay has a population of just over 3 million, of which more than half live in Montevideo. The city is large, stretching along the coast for one and a half dozen kilometers -

See that tower in the center? We'll go there too, it's a symbol of Montevideo -

American office skyscraper of the thirties, typical project -

The weather, however, is turning up the heat with this rain. No matter how wet the camera gets. I'm walking towards the old part of Montevideo, founded by the Spaniards more than 300 years ago -

Cool Bauhaus on the streets of Montevideo, I love this style. By the way, the capital of the world Bauhaus is, oddly enough, Israel. Here's about the Bauhaus style in Tel Aviv, and here in Haifa. And by the way, my native Yekaterinburg is also one of the capitals of the same style, although more constructivism, but still "".

But this most famous building in Uruguay and practically a tourist symbol of this country is called Palacio Salvo and was built in 1928 by Italian architect Mario Palanti, who lived in neighboring Buenos Aires. The building is 100 meters high and until recently was considered the tallest in Uruguay. But it’s almost impossible to get there unless you’re invited to one of the offices inside -

This is the main square of the country, the largest and considered the most beautiful -

The old city with its colonial buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries begins here. Here are the main walking streets with cafes and restaurants -

But to be honest, the bulk of old Montevideo is in a terrible state. For some unknown reason, hundreds of Spanish-built buildings are abandoned and in disrepair. The city residents themselves are very upset by this fact, because there are real masterpieces of architecture there.

Suddenly, a synagogue in the old city. Among outright slums. Against the backdrop of absolute desertion, when I took out my camera, a security guard suddenly appeared (he emerged from somewhere in the neighboring house) and said that it was forbidden to photograph the synagogue. I said my sincere apologies and moved on. I still managed to photograph this “strategic” object -

Worse and worse. Homeless people also began to appear, they apparently live in these slums -

Should I help him get out of the trash? But no matter how he decided that I was trying to squeeze out his prey -

Port area -

Central and abandoned railway station of Montevideo. Uruguay once had a fairly extensive railway network, created at the end of the 19th century and at the peak of its history in the 30-40s of the last century, it had several thousand kilometers of tracks along which passenger and freight trains regularly ran. Now all this is in the past. There is only one branch left from the past, connecting Montevideo with the suburb of Progresso, where it is easier to get there by bus. Simply put, forget it, there is no railway in Uruguay.

What a gorgeous building...

Funny skyscraper birdhouses -

Meanwhile, the ocean is raging. The wind is such that it blows you off your feet -

As I said, I’ll tell you about modern and civil Montevideo a little later!

(Spanish Uruguay), official name - Eastern Republic of Uruguay (Spanish Republica Oriental del Uruguay) is a small state in the southeast of the South American continent. In the northeast it borders with (the length of the border is 985 km), in the east it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, in the west and south it borders with (579 km), which runs along the river (Spanish Río de la Plata; “Silver River”) and (Spanish: Río Uruguay; from which the country got its name). More precisely, La Plata is a narrow, long bay of the Atlantic Ocean, which was mistaken for a large river by the first Spanish expeditions.

The name of the country Uruguay comes from the Indian language and literally translates as “river where the bird lives.” The length of the land borders is 1564 km, the length of the coastline is 660 km.

The territory of the state, whose area is only 176.2 thousand km², is home to about 3.5 million people, of which 85% are urban, 15% are rural. The capital is a city.

Uruguay's network of roads and expressways is considered the densest in South America.

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general information

State structure: It is a parliamentary republic. The head of state and government is the President, popularly elected for a term of 5 years, and he does not have the right to be re-elected for a second consecutive term.

The administrative-territorial division of the country is 19 departments.

The state parliament, which develops and passes laws, consists of a bicameral General Assembly: the upper House - the Senate (30 seats), the lower House - the House of Representatives (99 seats). Members of Parliament are also elected by popular vote for a 5-year term. The President himself forms the Cabinet of Ministers, the composition of which is approved by the General Assembly. Current President - (Spanish: Tabart Ramjn Vfzquez Rosas)

In Uruguay, in addition to many small parties, there are 2 leading ones: the Colorado Party (Spanish: Partido Colorado, meaning “Red Party”) and the National Blanco Party (Spanish: PartidoBlanco, “White”). Both parties were founded in the 1830s; their founders were prominent military leaders - the Uruguayan general Jose Fructuoso Rivera(Spanish: Jose Fructuoso Rivera y Toscana; 1784 – 1854) and General Manuel Oribe (Spanish: Manuel Ceferino Oribe y Viana; 1792 – 1857)

State language: The official language of Uruguay is Spanish. The majority of the country's residents speak English fluently. The few native Indians found in some areas are native speakers of traditional languages. On the border with Brazil they communicate in a special dialect based on a mixture of Spanish and Portuguese.

Religion: More than half of the population (66%) profess the Catholic faith. Many local residents consider themselves atheists or agnostics, this group of the population amounts to about 30%. There are also Jews, about 2%. A small number of adherents of ancient pagan cults have survived in the country, mainly local Indians and people from Africa.

Currency: Monetary unit: Uruguayan peso (UYU) = 100 centesimos. Banknotes in circulation include the following denominations: 1, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos. Metal coins: 1, 5, 10 and 50 centesimo.

Population

The population is mainly represented by Uruguayans - descendants of the Spanish conquistadors, as well as immigrants from Europe: Spaniards, Italians, French. Due to the almost complete extermination of the indigenous population during the colonial wars, the indigenous Indian population is very small.

The ethnic composition of the population of Uruguay is approximately as follows: 88% are white (immigrants from European countries), 8% are mestizo, 4% are black and mulatto.

Excursion into History

The Spaniards appeared on the territory of present-day Uruguay in the 16th century, when the country, like most other South American states, became part of the colonial empire of Spain. Before Spanish expansion, these places were inhabited by the indigenous Chana and Charrua Indian tribes. In order to protect against raids by smugglers and filibusters, in 1724 the Spanish conquistadors founded the city of Montevideo (Spanish: San Felipe y Santiago de Montevideo), which later became the capital of the state.

In 1776 Uruguay became part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Rio de La Plata(Spanish: Virreinato del Río de la Plata), and in 1778 Spain granted Montevideo the right to free trade, which was a great impetus for accelerating the economic development of both the city and the state as a whole. At that time, the territory of modern Uruguay was called Eastern lane(Spanish: Banda Oriental). Many migrants began to flock there, in the 19th century. Montevideo already had more than 30 thousand inhabitants.

Handsome Montevideo

The national liberation movement was growing in the country. In 1811, the liberation army led by (Spanish: Jose Gervasio Artigas; 1764-1850) defeated the Spanish troops. The struggle for independence, which has continued for many years, led to new clashes between Argentina and Brazil. The territory of Uruguay was part of Brazil for some time and was occupied by the Portuguese army. The country was then annexed by Argentina, and in 1828 Argentina and Brazil signed an agreement to renounce claims to this territory and create an independent state. In 1830, a Constitution was adopted, which proclaimed the formation of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay (Spanish: Republica Oriental del Uruguay).

The modern history of the state is marked by a series of crisis situations, incl. and the era of the Great Depression of 1929. Gradually, the political and economic situation in the state stabilized, and by the end of the 20th century. Uruguay began to assert itself more and more confidently as one of the most developed countries in South America.

Economy

Uruguay is one of the most economically developed countries in South America. The basis of the economy is agriculture and processing of agricultural products; the country is focused on exporting agricultural, livestock and fishing products.

Agricultural land occupies almost 90% of the territory of Uruguay (of which about 14 million hectares are pastures), on which many crops are grown, the most popular of which are rice, wheat, corn, sugar cane, oilseed flax, olives, sunflowers, as well as citrus and grape. Livestock farming is developed: beef cattle and wool sheep are bred here. The main branches of local industry: food, meat-packing, canning, wine-making.

Of particular note are the actively developing textile and leather-footwear industries, which is a consequence of excellent performance in the field of livestock breeding. About 75% of all industrial enterprises are concentrated in Montevideo.

In recent years, banking has become increasingly important in the Uruguayan economy. Since Uruguay has beautiful beaches, tourism is actively developing.

Features of geographical location, natural conditions

The state is located on the Atlantic coast, in the southeastern part Brazilian plateau(Spanish: Planalto Brasileiro), which decreases to the southwest. There are no high mountains on the territory of the state: the highest point of Uruguay is Mount Catedral (Spanish: Cerro Catedral; 514 m). From north to south in the eastern part of the country stretches the small hill of Cuchilla Grande (Spanish: Cuchilla Grande; up to 300 m), in the north-west of Uruguay - Cuchilla de Haedo (Spanish: Cuchilla de Haedo; up to 274 m). Between these two hills lies the valley of the Rio Negro River (Spanish: Río Negro; lit. "Black River").

The Atlantic coast is low-lying, with many lagoons and dunes.

The natural landscape of Uruguay is not particularly diverse; most of the state's territory is a monotonous alternation of hills and steppes, turning into the Argentine pampa, which is very suitable for pastures, of which there are a huge number in Uruguay.

Climate

The country is located in a zone of temperate subtropical, oceanic climate - mild, moderately humid. Winters here are mild and short, frosts are extremely rare, and summers are warm. In summer, average temperatures (January-February) are +23-25°C, in winter (July-August) + 8-10°C.

The maximum amount of rain occurs in the autumn period, June-September. During the invasion of strong currents of southern winds (pampero), there are short-term nighttime drops in temperature, down to −5°C, in such cases frost formation is observed.

A significant part of the beaches of Uruguay - more than 600 km of the Atlantic Ocean - are wonderful, sandy. The beach season here lasts from December to March.

Flora and fauna

The local flora is not very diverse. The territory of Uruguay is dominated by herbaceous vegetation: hills covered with grass are beautiful natural pastures that still retain their pristine character. In the south there is a shrubby savanna, in the east there are palm groves.

Only about 4% of the state's territory is covered with forests (mostly deciduous), which is less than in other South American countries. Forests stretch in green ribbons along the western river valleys, meeting in the northwestern hills. The most important tree species include astronium, rosewood, mesquito, guava, cedar, willow and acacia. Of the trees growing here, mostly all are imported, especially valuable species such as eucalyptus, plane tree, pine, and oak. The east coast dunes are planted with pine and eucalyptus trees to protect the sandy soils from landslides and erosion. In some places you can find a rare, amazing giant ombu tree (Phytolacca dioica), which was once characteristic of the Argentine pampa. Unfortunately, recently there are fewer and fewer forests.

When the Spanish settlers first began to explore the territory of Uruguay, there were many deer, pumas, tapirs, rheas, seals, and all kinds of birds. As Europeans moved deeper into the continent, most of these animals were destroyed. Today, the remains of wild fauna are concentrated in inaccessible areas and forests. Representatives of the current local fauna include puma, tapir, pea (American ostrich), wild boar, deer, Pampas cat, fox, armadillo and anteater.

The most common bird species in Uruguay are the swan, crane, stork, heron, wild duck, cardinal, vulture, darter, rabbit owl, lapwing and hummingbird. All kinds of spiders, reptiles and reptiles are found in abundance, including the rattlesnake and viper. Since Uruguay lies on the ocean coast, the local fauna is characterized by a rich variety of marine life.

Attractions

The main attractions of small Uruguay are concentrated mainly in the capital, Montevideo. This city is famous for its magnificent colonial-era buildings, a large number of parks and museums.

The most interesting places in the city are the squares Plaza Constitución and the Palacio Salvo, the ancient churches of the Cabildo and Iglesia Matriz. To become more fully acquainted with the history of the country, it is worth visiting National Historical Museum of Uruguay And Natural History Museum.

The city is home to the tallest building in South America, the 26-story Palacio Salvo (Spanish: Palacio Salvo).

Once in Uruguay, you should visit the Santa Teresa or Cabo Polono National Parks, and, of course, soak up the ocean beaches.

Uruguay: Largest cities

Uruguay is characterized by a high degree of urbanization, with the capital (Montevideo) home to about 50% of the country's total population.

Curious facts

• Uruguay is the Latin American equivalent of Switzerland: calm, quiet, almost complete absence of crime.

  

• The locals are very emotional, friendly and welcoming. When they meet, they love to kiss. Moreover, if strangers simply rub their cheeks, imitating a kiss, then acquaintances kiss tastefully, for real.
• It is difficult to meet blacks or Indians here. The main population of Uruguay are descendants of white settlers and emigrants from the Old World.
• The country pays great attention to education. For example, Uruguay is the first South American country to sell laptops to children for $100. This, however, was not always the case; relatively recently, up to 40% of the population was illiterate here.
• Although it is difficult to find work here, it is quite easy to open your own business here. You can, for example, buy a plantation inexpensively and grow olives.
• Local officials are friendly, they are very calm, they never raise their voices. If you are opening your own business, they will not throw stones in the wheels; on the contrary, they will help you in every possible way.
• Many retirees from the United States move to South America, including Uruguay: it is quiet, peaceful, and the pension is about $1,000.
• One funny thing happens here: if you move into a house and no one “asks” you to leave for a month, you can officially register the house in your name. Great! But they can do the same with your home, so it’s better not to leave your house for a long time without security in Uruguay.
• For example, in the center of Piriapolis (Spanish: Piriapolis) - in a beautiful town near Montevideo, there is an abandoned hotel worth more than $500 thousand, with which the owner cannot do anything, because... several homeless people “moved in” to it.
• Uruguayans are often called “Muy amables”, in Russian this means something like “kind, cordial, friendly”. In fact, they are very attentive to others and are always ready to help. It seems that in this country even the dogs are friendly and polite.
• In general, the locals are very relaxed and serene people; no one is in a hurry. All Uruguayans love to sleep in a hammock.
• It’s not for nothing that Uruguay is called the “Land of Eternal Mañana” (Spanish la Mañana; means “tomorrow”). In fact, “tomorrow” for them is a very flexible concept, from the real “tomorrow” to infinity.
• The state constitution proclaims freedom of religion. The main religion of the Uruguayans is... football. It’s not enough to say that Uruguay loves football; the national football team is truly an object of adoration and close attention. Suffice it to say that a tiny country in the 20th century. won 19 (!) international football titles.
• Children are loved here very much, they are carried in their arms and kissed constantly. In Uruguay you almost never see crying children! And if any child cries, then it is definitely a child of newcomers - he has not yet acclimatized. And when Uruguayan children grow up, they carry their parents in their arms and kiss them often.
• Uruguayans say goodbye to the passing year in a unique way - they tear up and throw calendars out the windows, not really bothering where the scraps fall. Thank you at least for the fact that they do not throw furniture and all old rubbish out of the windows, as is customary in Italy.
• In Uruguay, the division of labor is not a means to increase productivity, but serves exclusively to increase employment of the population: here one saleswoman weighs, another wraps, and a third accepts money.
• There are practically no “bespectacled” or bald people in the country.
• People with so-called “disabilities” are treated very carefully here.
• In most countries in the world, drunk driving is severely punished, but not in Uruguay! Here, on the contrary, in case of violation of traffic rules, the state of intoxication can serve as a mitigating circumstance for the offender.
• In Uruguay, medicine is free, even for tourists; you only have to pay one doctor - the dentist.
• There is a law according to which all citizens automatically become organ donors after death, however, with the exception of those persons who have expressed their disagreement in writing in advance.
• The state is famous for its huge number of sheep and cattle; with a population of 3.5 million people, according to statistics, there are on average 3 cows and 5 sheep for every Ecuadorian!
• 
  Gambling, prostitution, marijuana and same-sex marriage are legalized here.
• Even in small things, Uruguayans try to emphasize their difference from the Argentines. In both countries, meat is consumed in incredible quantities, but if in Argentina it is cooked mainly on coals, then in Uruguay it is cooked exclusively on wood. In both places, the meat is fried on a metal grill (parrilla). But if in Argentina it is installed horizontally, then in Uruguay it is installed only at an angle!
• “We,” local residents proudly say, “have the best and most environmentally friendly beef in the world!”
• Due to the good education and good manners of the local population, small, friendly Uruguay is often compared to Switzerland; because of the welfare of the people and the careful preservation of age-old traditions - with Sweden; thanks to the abundance of lush pastures and numerous flocks of sheep - with New Zealand!